The 6 best horseback riding in Brisbane for beginners and families
Do you ever just pop on a movie and see the main characters go through their heartfelt dialogues while horseback riding, and think to yourself, “Oh, how I’d love to ride one someday”?
Whether it’s been a part of your fantasies or just a figment of your curiosity, horseback riding does seem like an admirable outdoor activity as you take in the skills of a horseman galloping through the countryside.
With this guide, we’re giving you a glimpse of some of the horseback riding spots in Brisbane where prior experience or knowledge isn’t necessary.
1. Slickers Horse Riding
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Website: https://www.slickershorseriding.com/
Address: 190 Ocean View Rd, Ocean View QLD
Contact details: +61 405 397 923
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 5 PM
Slickers Horse Riding offers the ultimate horseback riding experience that’s both beginner-friendly and aimed at people seeking trails of spectacular views.
Their open koala forest and 40-acre lake in their main property make for the best place to canoe, swim, and ski – should you wish to – at no extra cost.
Take a chill ride throughout their property up in the mountains to get a glimpse of views from Moreton Island to Maleny and the Sunshine Coast.
Their trails, which span 3,500 acres of their land, are suitable for ages 10 years and above. They even host pony parties for children’s birthdays where they can ride little horses throughout the property in total safety.
Starting at $80, anyone can enjoy an hour of their escorted trail rides in Kurwongbah. If you wish to plunge into some of their ocean views, their rates range from $90–$150 for such special rides.
Pro tip:
You can always bring your own horse. Just pay $40 to be able to ride around their property with your own stallion.
2. Trevena Glen Farm
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Website: https://www.trevenaglen.com.au/
Address: 1100 Winn Rd, Mount Samson QLD
Contact details: +61 7 3289 4257
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday – 8 AM to 4 PM
While Trevena Glen Farm is not a typical place to go for horseback riding, they provide family-friendly rides that will surely suit anyone’s taste.
They offer one-on-one horseback riding lessons and horsemanship sessions for ages 3 and above. This can be a great starting point for anyone who would like to take advantage of their private animal tours that include a free led horse ride.
Starting at $30 for groups of 3, you can enjoy an hour of their private animal tour that includes tons of farm activities. These include feeding donkeys and horses, collecting eggs, petting alpacas, etc.
If you want the ultimate experience, you might as well take their 3 hour tour that allows you to do more around the farm, all while freely riding their horses.
Pro tip:
They also offer farm birthday parties for a group with a minimum of 6 children. This includes a minimum of 2 hours at your preferred area on the farm, feeding and handling the farm animals, and birthday invitations.
3. Nash Horse Trekking
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Website: http://nashhorsetrekking.com.au/
Address: 90 Willaura Dr, Coominya QLD
Contact details: +61 413 248 898
Nash Horse Trekking has been one of Brisbane’s renowned horse trekking businesses since its establishment in 2014.
Whether you’re a tourist or a local looking for adventure or just a scenic escape, they can provide you with an unforgettable trail across the Australian countryside.
Plus, it will only take at least $90 to enjoy 1 to 2 hours of a trail ride on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. It comes with the basics of horse trekking and a promise of an experience of a lifetime through spotting the rich wildlife and bush tracks of the area.
You can also choose to splurge on their $290 Moonlight Pub Ride that lasts for approximately 5 hours. With this, you can ride under the setting sun towards the Bellevue Hotel where you can grab a hearty country meal before heading home under the moon’s guide.
Pro tip:
If you feel like immersing yourself in the ultimate country experience, you can take advantage of their camp packages that start at $400 for 2 days of camping, and trekking.
4. Cowboy Up Trail Riding
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Website: http://www.cowboyup.com.au/
Address: 160 Rocky Gully Rd, Emu Creek QLD
Contact details: +61 7 4698 4772
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 4 PM
Established in 2009, Cowboy Up Trail Riding offers relaxing rides through a working cattle property with horses that are usually hired for movies and commercials.
They have 11 well-trained horses, with the two-man team behind Cowboy Up Trail Riding providing beginner rides with guaranteed views of the area’s beautiful scenery and occasional appearances of koalas.
Starting at $100, you and your family can enjoy an hour trail ride suitable for ages 5 and above. The ride can also include the chance to visit the fairy house.
If you’re an advanced rider, the $155 two-hour trail ride could be more your speed. You can freely roam and explore the stunning pastures, creeks, and beautiful heights of the property. Do note, though, that this is only available once per month.
Pro tip:
If you need to cancel for some personal reasons, you should do it 24 hours prior to be allowed to reschedule your ride.
5. Heritage Riding
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Website: http://www.heritageriding.com.au/
Address: 59 Boundary Rd, Thornlands QLD
Contact details: +61 7 3206 3951
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday – 8 AM to 4:30 PM
With over 30 years of experience in horseback riding lessons, Heritage Riding has become one of Brisbane’s largest and most comprehensive riding schools.
They have 32 acres of extensive cross country courses, with lessons ranging from 30 to 60 minutes. They provide the option to take lessons for 5 consecutive days for maximum learning.
While Heritage Riding isn’t a particularly leisurely horseback riding option, they can be your springboard to enjoying more of the trail rides without the fear of falling or losing control.
For a more social and fun option, you can take advantage of their camps, suitable for ages 6 to 15. There, they aren’t just taught how to ride a horse, but also participate in activities and games that further enhance their learning experience.
Pro tip:
If you wish to have more time riding their horses, do take note that their lessons provide more one-on-one time with horses compared to what’s offered during their camps.
6. EquusTerra Therapeutic Horse Riding
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Website: http://equusterra.com.au/
Address: 40 Medway St, Rocklea QLD
Contact details: +61 402 961 428
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday – 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Established in 2015, EquusTerra Therapeutic Horse Riding has been giving kids and adults with Autism, Asperger’s, ADHD, and anxiety a chance to enjoy a fun activity such as horseback riding with their wellbeing in mind.
EquusTerra teaches horsemanship and riding skills to their clients in a relaxed environment through an individualized approach. This makes them a go-to for people who want to ride horses not for the thrill, but for the tranquility of such an experience.
For as low as $120, you get an hour of their Equine Assisted Personal Development (Rocklea), where you don’t just get to learn about horses but also about yourself as you work through horse grooming and other groundwork processes.
Pro tip:
You can also check out their horse hobby lessons for $30 per person, which allows you to learn the art of hobby horsing and engage in horse-related games without owning a real horse.